2013 mercedes-benz m-class Model Overview

Sum Up

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The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is as practical as it is powerful offroad. With plenty of engine options, and a wide pricing point, the M-Class offers several vehicles that have plenty of power and plenty of class. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class provides a ton of safety and a great ride.

New For 2013

The ML350 can now be had in RWD as well as AWD, allowing customers to save $2500 by skipping the 4Matic system. A new On/Off-Road Package debuts and includes a two-speed transfer case, Airmatic air suspension, Adaptive Damping System, added skid plates, and six transmission settings. New standard items include mbrace2, Collision Prevention Assist, and a new instrument cluster.

Exterior

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class received a major redesign last year, although it isn’t much different in style than the previous generation, which is honestly a good thing for the exterior. The tail design is still very traditional, but the front fascia and side contours get updated lines to smooth them out and give them an obvious attention to detail. Exterior color options are interesting, but there’s nothing outlandish in the eleven paint options. The ML350 come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear powered liftgate door, and a fixed liftgate window. Also standard is a roof rack for moving cargo, privacy glass, and a power glass sunroof. All models also feature a rear windshield wiper.

All models also feature turn signal lights in the mirrors for additional visibility. The ML63 model includes 20-inch alloy wheels, which are available on other models as an option. The ML63 also has the option of 21-inch five-spoke wheels. Options for all models include brushed aluminum running boards, panoramic sunroof, and a trailer hitch. Keyless entry and ignition are standard for the ML63 and optional on other models. Overall, the exterior design is attractive, even if it hasn’t changed too much over time.

Interior & Cargo

The interior of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class was greatly improved during the interior revisions in 2012. The fantastic curves and lines seen in the S-Class are applied for more a more attractive look. The upholstery comes standard as leatherette, but leather is available. The M350 features eight-way powered driver and passenger seat, lumbar adjustments, and multi-level heated chair. Mirrors, locks, and windows are all powered. Interior air filtration and dual zone climate controls help keep the cabin comfortable. The wood trimming throughout the interior is extremely attractive.

The M-Class comes standard with an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon brand stereo system with an AM/FM/CD player and surround sound technology. This also comes with an auxiliary jack for other audio devices. A DVD player and video monitor are also standard fare. The ML63 gets an upgraded fourteen-speaker audio system, six- disc changer, and a memory card slot. The M350 has a single memorization setting for audio and driver’s settings, and the ML63 receives a memorization system for up to three drivers.

The front row of seats are bucket seats, and the back is a split bench that can be folded down for additional cargo space. Cargo space with seats in place is 38.2 cubic feet, and with the rear seat placed down, the cargo space reaches 80.3 cubic feet. Interior options include heated rear seats, rear seat entertainment, ambient lighting, and specialty wood trims for an improved look.

Safety

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has the type of safety specifications expected from Mercedes. During crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mercedes-Benz M-Class received an overall rating of “”Good,”” which is a perfect score. In addition, they chose the M-Class as a top safety pick in its class. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, braking assist, traction control, and stability control. Additionally, the M-Class features front and rear head airbags and front side mounted airbags. With mbrace connectivity service, airbag deployment notifications can be sent to any smartphone. Additionally, the passenger seat has an occupant detection sensor that only allows the airbag to deploy if necessary.

All models include driver and passenger whiplash prevention in the head rests. Also standard are mirror turn signal lights, fog lights, dusk sensing headlights, and auto delay off headlights. Overall, the M-Class provides the utmost safety, which is a huge selling point.

Driving Experience

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Estimated fuel economy for the ML350 is 18/24 mpg city/highway. All models come with a seven-speed, automatic transmission. The ML350 Bluetec requires diesel fuel and comes equipped with a 3.0-liter, V-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard for the ML350 Bluetec, and estimated fuel economy is 20/28 mpg city/highway.

The ML550 comes equipped with the larger 4.7-liter, V-8 engine that produces 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The estimated fuel economy for the ML550 is 14/20 mpg city/highway. The ML63 AMG comes with all-wheel drive and a 5.5-liter, V-8, twin-turbo engine that provides a whopping 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Estimated fuel economy drops to 13/17 mpg city/highway for the ML63.

Despite offroading appearance, the luxury of this vehicle shows in its performance. The ride is smooth, gears transition flawlessly, and handling is very impressive. The 3.5-liter engine is a great choice for plenty of power and decent fuel economy, but the Bluetec’s 3.0-liter diesel engine gives the best compromise between performance and fuel economy.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$47,270

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$30,450

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#12E028000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

This interference could prevent the gas pedal from retracting and the vehicle may not decelerate as expected when the driver lifts their foot from the gas pedal, which could increase the risk of a crash. Should the pedal become trapped, steady application of the brakes will allow the vehicle to be brought to a stop.

Recall Date

2012-08-09

Description

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain accessory all-season floor mats sold for use in model year 2012 and 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class vehicles. This all-season floor mat may not fully conform to the contour of the vehicle's floor plan as intended. Clearance between the mat and the gas pedal may be reduced, possibly allowing the pedal to become trapped.

Remedy

Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the floor mats free of charge. Until replacement mats become available, consumers are advised to remove their floor mats from the vehicle. The safety recall began on December 21, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the accessory floor mats are affected. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz for more information at 1-800-367-6372.

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